Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour Birmingham Review: All Scores and Special Moments
The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour has brought its signature sparkle to Birmingham, with performances running at the Utilita Arena from January 23 to 25. This spectacular event features select couples from the 2025 series, delivering an evening packed with waltzes, jives, and cha cha chas that captivated the local audience.
A Night of Glitz and Glamour in Brum
On January 24, the arena was alive with energy as professionals and their celebrity partners showcased their dance skills in a series of breathtaking routines. Host Janette Manrara, resplendent in a bedazzled suit, expertly narrated the show, adding to the festive atmosphere. From Lewis Cope and Katya Jones's impeccable moves to La Voix's punchy humour, the night was a true celebration of dance, earning high praise from judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, and Craig Revel Horwood.
Celebrity Line-Up and Special Guest Appearance
The tour boasts an impressive roster of stars, including Emmerdale's Lewis Cope with Katya Jones, Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey with Karen Hauer, drag queen La Voix with Aljaž Škorjanec, football legend Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink with Lauren Oakley, reality TV star Vicky Pattinson with Kai Widdrington, and model Ellie Goldstein with Vito Coppola. Notably, the only finalist pairing competing for the live tour Glitterball was content creator George Clarke and newcomer professional Alexis Warr.
A highlight of the evening was a special guest performance by 2023 finalist Layton Williams and his former partner Nikita Kuzmin. Their dynamic routine, featuring flips and cartwheels, wowed the Brummie crowd, adding an extra layer of excitement to the show.
Detailed Scores from the Judges
Here is a breakdown of the scores awarded by the judges for each celebrity pair:
- George Clarke and Alexis Warr: Viennese Waltz – Anton: 10, Shirley: 10, Craig: 9; Charleston – Anton: 10, Shirley: 10, Craig: 9; Overall: 58/60.
- Lewis Cope and Katya Jones: Charleston – Anton: 10, Shirley: 10, Craig: 10; Couple's Choice – Anton: 10, Shirley: 10, Craig: 10; Overall: 60/60.
- Vicky Pattinson and Kai Widdrington: Couple's Choice – Anton: 9, Shirley: 9, Craig: 8; Tango – Anton: 10, Shirley: 10, Craig: 9; Overall: 55/60.
- Ellie Goldstein and Vito Coppola: Salsa – Anton: 8, Shirley: 8, Craig: 6; Couple's Choice – Anton: 10, Shirley: 9, Craig: 7; Overall: 48/60.
- La Voix and Aljaž Škorjanec: Paso Doble – Anton: 9, Shirley: 8, Craig: 8; Salsa – Anton: 10, Shirley: 9, Craig: 3; Overall: 47/60.
- Harry Aikines-Aryeetey and Karen Hauer: Cha Cha Cha – Anton: 9, Shirley: 8, Craig: 6; Salsa – Anton: 10, Shirley: 9, Craig: 8; Overall: 50/60.
- Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Lauren Oakley: Cha Cha Cha – Anton: 10, Shirley: 8, Craig: 7; Quick Step – Anton: 9, Shirley: 8, Craig: 7; Overall: 49/60.
Glitterball Winner and Special Message
After an audience text vote, George Clarke and Alexis Warr were crowned the winners, securing the Brum Glitterball for the second consecutive night. In a touching moment, a pre-recorded message from 2025 Strictly winner Karen Carney was played, where she expressed regret at missing the shows due to work commitments and thanked everyone for their support.
Final Thoughts and Future Shows
The Strictly Come Dancing Live Tour continues to deliver drama, delight, and dazzling performances, with the Birmingham leg concluding on January 25 before moving to Newcastle. Fans can look forward to more glitz and glamour in the upcoming 2026 season, as the show promises to keep the ballroom magic alive.
